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Friday, June 15, 2012

Summer Automotive Care – Tips for Taking Care of Your Car

Summer is a time of lazy days, warm
nights and family vacations. For many people, it means cookouts and spending
time with family members. However, summer brings with it more than just an
excuse to head to the beach – it’s one of the harshest seasons for your car. In
order to make sure that your vehicle stands the test of time, you need to know
a few things about summertime-specific maintenance. Here are a few simple,
effective tips for maintaining your vehicle through the dog days and beyond.

Trip
Check

Summer
is the season for travel, more so than any other time of year. However, while
taking a vacation or embarking on a road trip can be exciting and a great way
to spend more time with your family, it can be a recipe for disaster if you
don’t take the proper steps before heading out. One of the most important
things to do is inspect your car to make sure it’s roadworthy and won’t cause
headaches later on. You’ll want to check the following:

•
Charging System: You’ll definitely want to have a charging system check done
before you go anywhere. Make sure your mechanic checks your battery, the
starter and the alternator. Summer heat can be a killer on these components.

• Tire Condition and Pressure: Give
some attention to your car’s tires. Is there a good amount of tread left? Is
there any uneven wear? Do you need a rotation? Is there damage from your car
being out of alignment? Is the tire pressure set properly? A good set of
properly maintained tires can mean the difference between a safe trip and a
serious accident.

•
Brakes: Your braking system is one of the most important on your vehicle. Make
sure that you check brake pad thickness before heading out, and if you feel a
pulsation in the pedal or seat when applying the brakes, you might consider
having your rotors turned.

•
Wipers: Summertime is infamous for producing heavy thunderstorms. Your road
trip might pit you against torrential rain, hail and high winds. Make sure that
your windshield wipers are up to the challenge. Ideally, you should change your
wiper blades roughly every six months or so. Make sure your wipers keep the
windshield clear and look for any signs of damage or wear on the blades.

•
Fluids: Many of your car’s systems are hydraulic, and require specific fluids
to operate. Make sure you check and top off any fluids under the hood,
including transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid.

•
Coolant: To stay within its operating temperature and avoid overheating, your car
relies on coolant circulating through the radiator and assorted pipes and
hoses. Make sure you check the coolant level in your car (when the engine is
cool). You should also visibly inspect all the hoses for signs of damage, wear
and leaks.

•
Belts: The high heat ofsummer can mean death for your engine belts,
particularly if they’re old and worn already. Make sure you check all the belts
under the hood. Depending on your make and model, you might have a single
serpentine belt, or several smaller belts. Give them a good eyeball to make
sure they’re not cracked and about to break.

Don't let this be you!

Checking
all of these systems can be time consuming and difficult if you’re not familiar
with automotive technology. If you’re not comfortable inspecting any of these
areas, take your car to a trusted mechanic and ask for a trip check before you
head off. It can make a real difference in your safety and in your enjoyment of
the summer months.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore Elfrink was the operator of a automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mats.

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